September 2002 - Nr. 9
Unprecedented Flooding in Dresden
All Tourists Safe and Accounted For
City Returning To Normal:
First Museum Reopens Wednesday
Toronto -- As the worst flooding in hundreds of years last week deluged the city of Dresden, Herculean efforts were made by local authorities and local residents to protect the city’s wealth of historic, architectural and cultural treasures. "But even greater efforts were employed to protect residents and tourists," says Ingrid Scherer-Mohr, director of the German National Tourist Office in Canada. "As fabulous as the treasures of Dresden are - and will be again, saving human life is more important, and we are proud that not one tourist was hurt as this natural disaster developed."
Dresden, capital of Saxony, has been known historically as "The Florence of the North," a name that referred to the city’s wealth of treasures, palaces, churches and its legendary opera house. The Elbe River flowing through Dresden has a history of flooding, but never before have the waters risen to yesterday’s high of 9.13 meters (29.5 feet) above normal.
In recent years, the old city of Dresden has been restored to its former glory, and the restoration of the magnificent Frauenkirche church, the world’s largest Protestant church, is scheduled for completion in 2005.
Returning to Normal
"Now that the flooding is subsiding, the Dresden authorities are discovering how much work will have to be done," says Scherer-Mohr. "But the city is already returning to normal, with one of the city’s’ chief museums and focus for tourists - the Albertinum, housing the Imperial Crown Jewels - re-opening tomorrow, Wednesday, August 21." The Old Town of Dresden is reverting to work and street musicians entertaining visitors as the river gardens are restored. "While all the priceless art treasures of the Zwinger Gallery were saved, there was considerable damage to the building," says Scherer-Mohr, "but the people in Dresden tell me the museum should be back in operation very soon."
Earlier this week, major flooding occurred in parts of eastern Bavaria, but the waters are now subsiding. As in Dresden, no tourists were harmed.
For more information on Dresden and Germany, please call the German National Tourist Office’s toll-free number, 1-877-315-6237, or contact the office by e-mail, gntony@aol.com. Or visit GNTO’s Web site at www.germany-tourism.de.
